The early goal set the pattern of the first-half as a more organised Westport outplayed the Leitrim champions, whose series of enforced errors were repeatedly punished.

Ballinamore Sean O'Heslin's failed to score until the 23rd minute, when keeper Philip Farrelly converted a '45, and trailed at half-time by 1-7 to 0-3.

Although O'Heslin's upped their game in the second period, with points from Farrelly and Dean McGovern, Westport were always in command, despite only scoring two points in the second period, in the 44th and 48th minute, through man of the match Fionn McDonagh and Colm Moran.

Ballinamore continued to compete and hit three points without reply in the last 10 minutes, but the result was never in doubt.